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My InterpretationThis song is about using drugs. In the first verse, “check all the whys and all the wherefores” is talking about the rationalization and justification that goes on inside the mind of the drug user. This justification is talked about again in the song, “Internally you make your own rules you’ll have excuses the ones that you choose“. The part of the song,” In your mind you’re tall and brave” is a reference to the initial confidence the drug user has when he or she first starts using.
The repeated line, “riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave” was also used in the move Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In the move, Johnny Depp’s character is referring to the drug culture in America during the 1960’s. Riding the crest is a metaphor for the height of the drug culture when most people involved and where having fun and embracing. Then the character speaks of the wave crashing and rolling back, signifying the end of the 1960’s culture and it’s morphing into today’s society full of left over freaks. It is clear the band had a similar meaning here. I would love to hear who got the inspiration from whom. I have not been able to find that out.
The second to last verse of the song is reflective of the drug user starting to have problems. A sense that things with drug use is not going quite right. “You need a line” could be looked at drug use progression. The old stuff is not working as well so something stronger like cocaine or meth is needed to try to maintain the initial response of drug use.
If you did not catch any of the drug references in the first verses, the last verse makes it clear.
Overall I feel that H-Ha is a positive band and is condemning the drug use, trying to dissuade the listener from falling into the trap or to get out of it if they are using.